Fluoride

Fluoride is found naturally in nature in the water, soil, and air and in most foods, it is a compound of the element fluorine. It exists in living tissue as an ion, it is easily absorbed into tooth enamel in developing teeth. Fluoride makes the tooth structure more resistant to decay. When the tooth is fully formed topical fluoride helps to remineralize areas of early decay.

Systemic fluoride is ingested when it is added to the public water supply, from naturally fluoridated wells, it is also available in daily supplements. Topical fluoride is found in toothpastes and mouth rinses, it is directly applied to the teeth and then expectorated. Topical fluoride is equally important as systemic fluoride.

As we age fluoride applied directly to the teeth can help arrest the decay process, it can help keep exposed root surfaces immune to cavities, and it can protect teeth against decay in individuals with a high decay rate, due to radiation, or illness. Public water fluoridation is considered the most efficient and cost-effective dental caries prevention measure available.

The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the accepted optimal range of fluoride in water is between 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm) mg per liter. Fluoridated water adhering to these standards has been scientifically established safe for drinking.

Water fluoridation supplies the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. For adults and children it is recommended to drink two eight ounce glasses of water a day to get the recommended fluoride. Water filters will not filter out fluoride. There are some bottled water companies that sell spring water with fluoride in it , they will advertise this on the label. Avoid swallowing toothpastes or mouth rinses it is possible to ingest too much.